Choose a portrait style that is totally you

Hi there. Welcome to Bfree Photography. Hope you get your wardrobe ready for your photo-shoot:) For those who are new in my website, check last post, 5 Wardrobe Tips to Photo shoot.

This week post is about portrait styles. Portrait is not portrait? Not set in stone. There is a variety of styles you can choose from.

Customers often look for portrait sessions but they don't exactly know what to expect. When asked about what they have in mind, they don't actually know the possibilities, in fact they don't realise that there is more about portrait than that photo they saw in pinterest. There is no need to replicate, there are plenty of different things that can be done and can start with a style choice. Today I will present 5 different styles. Each style is unique and suits different needs and tastes. So shall we begin?

1. TRADITIONAL PORTRAIT.

This is the most known style. Also known as Classic Portrait, this is often taken in studio. Is it in fact the oldest style, as old as the first camera.

The main feature of this style is the predominance of the face and facial expression in the picture in view to capture a visual description, personality and likeness of the subject. However can focus on a single subject as well as multiple.

To achieve that feature the subject should be looking directly at the camera and the background is supposed to be neutral. Can be focused in an head photo or encompass full body. Backwards, classic portrait had stricter rules than nowadays. The position and expression of the subject(s) had rules than now can be broken. Today subject(s) is(are) invited to relax to achieve a more natural looking. However, all depends on the intended goal.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT

As the name suggests, environmental portrait is taken in the subjects natural environment, such as workplace, home and daily activities. Typically involves the subject's life and his surrounding as complimentary element. This kind of photography is great to emphasises the subject's personality and create unique photos that will only match with that person, specially when the subject has a specific passion, favourite place or a peculiar taste. But we all have it deep down isn't it?.

3.CANDID PORTRAIT

This style is characterised by the fact of the subject is not expecting or aware that is been photographed. The beauty of this approach is based on spontaneity leading to natural facial expressions. Candid photography capture real emotions in the best way. It is often used in photojournalism and street photography.

Taking a photo with this parameters is truly relaxing for those who are being photographed as they don't need to be starring at the camera making efforts to create facial expressions and poses. The perfect pictures will happen naturally and will document moments as they happen.

Subjects might think they need to be prepared for the click of the camera to look gorgeous, they might think that a laid back scene goes out of their control but sometimes unexpected photos can make the day by being the favourite ones. Those pictures will be the reflection of genuine interaction between family and friends. In a blink of an eye the session will be over and time flew by while you where just enjoyment your time among family and friends.

4.LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT

Lifestyle portrait is with no doubt my favourite portrait style. This genre of portrait should be especially unique and personal, outstanding the "style of living" of the individuals photographed.

This style is a combination of environmental and candid portrait. Should "document" the individuals life in a natural way and transmit feelings and sensations. It is often used in wedding and family portrait as well as commercial use.

Photographer and subject(s) should sit in a chair, grab a cup of tea and have an informal chat subject(s) lifestyle. Photographer should know customers hobbies, passions and wee everyday activities in order to the most special picture.

5. GLAMOUR PORTRAIT

This term refers to portraits which its purpose is to highlight an erotic appeal of the subject. Don't worry, erotic doesn't necessarily mean nude. Yes nude is one option but the main feature is to set up the facial expression and pose in order to spread charm through the picture.

This genre of photography is usually used with professional models for commercial use. But the concept can be brought to personal portrait as well.

Clothes, accessories, expression, pose, make up... All carefully placed to a greater good....glamour

I hope you had enjoyed those tips and you found them useful. Stay tuned to my next weekly posts. See you next week:)

#Phototips #Photoshoot #Portrait